Fun Things to do in Lexington
Kentucky
city guide
Nestled in the heart of the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky, the city of Lexington offers a rich tapestry of experiences for visitors to explore. Beyond its renowned horse racing and bourbon heritage, Lexington boasts a vibrant culinary scene that celebrates farm-to-table dining and Southern comfort food. The city's thriving arts and culture scene is showcased in its numerous galleries, theaters, and music venues, offering a diverse range of performances and exhibitions year-round.
For those seeking retail therapy, Lexington's charming downtown area is lined with boutique shops, artisanal craft stores, and antique markets, perfect for finding unique souvenirs and gifts. Additionally, the city's lively nightlife scene includes cozy speakeasies, craft breweries, and live music venues, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy after dark.
When it comes to outdoor activities, Lexington's picturesque surroundings offer ample opportunities for hiking, biking, and exploring the natural beauty of the Bluegrass Region. The city's parks and green spaces provide serene settings for picnics, leisurely strolls, and outdoor recreation.
To stay updated on the latest events, attractions, and insider tips in Lexington, be sure to follow these social media accounts:
- Instagram: @VisitLex
- Twitter: @LexingtonKyGov
- Facebook: Visit Lexington, Kentucky
For in-depth guides and recommendations on what to do in the city, check out these noteworthy publications:
- "Lexington Magazine"
- "Bluegrass Living Magazine"
- "Discover Lexington Guide"
Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, an outdoor enthusiast, or a culture connoisseur, Lexington offers a diverse array of experiences that are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors of all interests.
Best time to go
The best time to visit Lexington, Kentucky, is in early-to-mid fall (September and October) when summer humidity has let up and the air is fresher. Spring can also be pleasant, but late cold snaps and plenty of precipitation are common.

Fun city facts and activities
- Between enjoying a race day at Keeneland, touring horse farms, and exploring the many fine distilleries of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, some of Lexingtons best activities involve horses or bourbon.
However, when it comes to things to do here, thats just scratching the surface. Lexington has become a regional hub known for its cuisine, shopping, and nightlife.
Neighborhoods to explore
- Chevy Chase
Ashland Park
Historic Downtown
Beaumont
Southland Corridor
Kenwick
Restaurants
Food Specialties
- The cuisine of Kentucky mostly resembles that and is a part of traditional Southern cuisine. Some common dinner dishes are fried catfish and hushpuppies, fried chicken and country fried steak.
Lexington Offbeat activities
Free or cheap things to do
1. Take a tour of the old Lexington Burial Grounds.
2. Visit the Lexington Historical Museum.
3. Explore the Legacy Trail and visit the many historical sites along the way.
4. Tour the Lexington Military Academy.
5. Visit the Waveland State Historic Site.
6. Attend one of the many festivals held in Lexington throughout the year.
7. Take a ghost tour of downtown Lexington.
8. Explore the many caves in the area.
9. Visit the Raven Run Nature Sanctuary.
10. Spend a day at the Arboretum State Botanical Garden.
Fun things to do in with kids
Free or cheap things to do
1. Kentucky Horse Park North Fayette
Opened all the way back in 1978, the Kentucky Horse Park is one of the best destinations to take the little ones in Lexington that youre bound to enjoy today.
2. Living Arts & Science Center Ohio / Chestnut Street
If youre looking for what to do in Lexington with kids thats both entertaining and educational, the Living Arts & Science Center should be one of your top choices.
3. Lexington Opera House Downtown Lexington
Built in 1886 with a capacity of 1000 people, the Lexington Opera House is a surviving historical landmark thatll give you a sense of performing and structures more than a hundred years ago.
4. University of Kentucky
Founded and built way back in 1865, its hard to miss one of the biggest universities in the state of Kentucky.
5. Jacobson Park East Lexington
Looking for relaxing and fun family activities in Lexington?
Jacobson Park is the perfect spot for you.
6. Whitaker Bank Ballpark Northeast Lexington
With a massive capacity of 6,994 people, the Whitaker Bank Ballpark will give you a glance of how the people of Lexington play their games.
7. Waveland State Historic Site South Lexington
Also known as the Joseph Bryan House, the Waveland State Historic Site is the living manifestation of a Greek Revival infrastructure and dual functions as a plantation maintained and operated as part of the Kentucky state park system.
8. Headley Whitney Museum Northwest Lexington
If youre looking for the best things to do in Lexington with kids this weekend, we might have the perfect answer for you!
9. Legacy Trail North Lexington
Spanning over an area of over 12 miles, the Legacy Trail Park has some of the best free kid-friendly things to do in Lexington.
10. Joseph Beth Booksellers Lexington Green
Trying to find some good ol destinations thatll be fun for teens?
Look no further than the Joseph Beth Booksellers.
City data and FAQ
Is Lexington worth visiting?
Oh yes! It is beautiful in that area. I usually lump Paris and Lexington as the same area but they are separate cities. On your right there is a candy store named Rebecca Ruth. They have the original bourban balls! Buy a box they are great! Drive a few miles down you will be at the entrance to Keeneland. It is a beautiful racetrack and very historic. It will be worth your time to stop in there. They have the best gift shop! All sorts of nice things! Im pretty sure they are open every day except Christmas. The people who work there are some of the nicest people in the world.
Susie Cartwright - Lives in Louisville, KY
Between the horses and the rock fences, its the most beautiful part of the state. And its convenient to Georgetown, Frankfort, Shelbyville, Harrodsburg and Danville, all of which have historic sites and still more beautiful scenery.
Angela Stockton - Lives in Mississippi Gulf Coast (2013 Present)
Are two days enough to visit Lexington?
If you just hit the highlights. People visiting Lexington usually want to go to the horse farms, which are well outside of the city so it can consume time. There is a lot to see really if you are interested. We also have the vast majority of Bourbon distilleries here in the area, and it is a short drive between each. If you really want to see it all you would need multiple days.
Stuart McClain - Lives in Versailles, KY (2011 Present)
Lexington area along with Louisville are some of the most dedicated areas of the country to horses and horse-racing. So, if you are interested in that, then you might want to spend more than a couple days in Lexington. After all, youd be visiting places like the horse farm near Lexington, Red Mile Harness Track, the Horse Park, and Keeneland if youre into the horses and horse-racing. That would add an additional day or so to your itinerary. Theres also Old Friends Horse Farm in nearby Georgetown, KY too.
Z. E. Kendall - Lives in Kentucky (1991 Present)
What is Lexington known for?
Lexington, Kentucky is known for The Kentucky Wildcats Basketball franchise: one of the top-tier university basketball franchises in the United States, the University of Kentucky Wildcats, is there; Horses and horse-racing: the area between Louisville and Lexington some people would call the Horse Capital of the World; Bourbon; Bluegrass (the actual grass grows around there); Being the major metropolitan area between Louisville, Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio. In a different response to a different question, I mentioned more particular attractions in the Lexington area. However, with a little digging, you can find even more.
Z. E. Kendall - Lives in Kentucky (1991 Present)
Landmarks in the city
Here is a list of some of the top landmarks and tourist attractions in Lexington, Kentucky:
1. Keeneland Race Track - Known for its horse racing and beautiful grounds, Keeneland is a must-visit for horse enthusiasts.
2. The Kentucky Horse Park - A working horse farm and educational theme park dedicated to all things equine.
3. Mary Todd Lincoln House - The childhood home of Abraham Lincoln's wife, offering a glimpse into the life of the former First Lady.
4. Rupp Arena - Home of the University of Kentucky Wildcats basketball team, this iconic sports venue hosts various events and concerts.
5. Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate - The former home of statesman Henry Clay, featuring a historic mansion and beautiful gardens.
6. Lexington Cemetery - A peaceful and scenic final resting place for many notable figures, with beautiful landscaping and historic gravestones.
7. Aviation Museum of Kentucky - A museum dedicated to the history of aviation, featuring exhibits on aircraft and Kentucky's aviation heritage.
8. Red Mile - A historic harness racing track with a casino, restaurants, and live entertainment.
9. Thoroughbred Park - A public art installation featuring life-size bronze sculptures of racehorses and jockeys, celebrating Lexington's horse racing heritage.
10. Transylvania University - The oldest university west of the Allegheny Mountains, with a beautiful campus and historic buildings.
These landmarks and attractions offer a mix of history, culture, and entertainment for visitors to enjoy in Lexington, Kentucky.